GREENWICH — The annual “Art to the Avenue,” an extravaganza of creative energies, will kick off Thursday evening with music and festivities as downtown Greenwich is transformed into a giant art gallery.

A variety of musical acts, including the Greenwich High School jazz band, will play to the crowds at the event, which will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. along Greenwich Avenue.

Leah Marmon, president of the board of the Greenwich Arts Council, said all the elements are in place for a memorable celebration, one that will benefit local artists, students and the business community.

“Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, it’s wonderful,” she said, “This is going to be one of the best ones we’ve ever had.”

The arts event will feature the talent of 105 regional artists. Eighty-five merchants are also participating, with art on display at dozens of venues throughout downtown Greenwich through Memorial Day.

Besides the art displays, a number of receptions, performances and panel discussions will be held throughout the month.

An Indian music concert will be held on May 11 at the Greenwich Arts Council facilities on Greenwich Avenue. A demonstration of paper-folding and flower-making for young people will be held on May 19 at the Greenwich Public Library. On May 31, at the Bank of New York-Mellon Wealth Management site on Mason Street, experts on art collecting will discuss tax issues, estate planning and savvy collecting tips. A full list of events are available on the Greenwich Arts Council’s website at www.greenwichartscouncil.org.

The event will be a boost to the downtown business community, Marmon said. “A lot of people are coming out already. There’s already been a bump in foot traffic,” she said.

Authorized artwork sold throughout the monthlong event will benefit an education fund. The artists will receive 70 percent of the sale price, and 30 percent will go toward programs in the arts for youth and adults at the Greenwich Arts Council.